Wenger fears the worst after Sanchez suffers hamstring injury

Arsene Wenger is fearing the worst after Alexis Sanchez was forced off during our 1-1 draw at Norwich with a hamstring injury.

The boss admitted at his pre-match press conference on Friday that Sanchez had a minor hamstring concern but decided to risk him at Carrow Road this afternoon.

That decision backfired spectacularly as the Chilean international limped off clutching his hamstring midway through the second half.

Speaking after the game, Wenger told Arsenal.com that Alexis claims it was just a kick to his hamstring but like the rest of us, Arsene fears it’s much more serious.

The boss also backed his decision to start the attacker, despite concerns over his hamstring prior to the game, as he insists the club checked the ‘injury’ and they showed no reason why he could feature today.

He told the clubs website:

on Alexis…

The players are there to play football and not to be rested when the press decides they need to be rested.

on if Alexis’ injury is serious…

He says it is a kick on his hamstring. I fear the reality is worse than that.

on whether Alexis is putting on a brave face…

Of course, like everybody. Nobody is scientifically developed enough, not even the press, to predict exactly when a guy would be injured. I must say that with all humility we are not position to predict that, despite all our test he looked alright.

on whether he was okay during the week…

We checked him and when you have no force and no middle stretch in your hamstring then there is no problem and he had that.

I’m sorry, I’m not buying this. Arsene said on Friday that Sanchez was a doubt due to a hamstring ‘concern’ so it came as no surprise when he pulled up holding the back of his leg today.

There is no way he should have been risked and now we’re likely to be without our best player for at least three weeks. Sorry Arsene, but this one is on you.